Institute Promises to Be Fulfilling and Fun

Organizers of this year's Institute on Psychiatric Services promise it will be a well-seasoned gumbo with ingredients ranging from continuing-education sessions and professional networking, to a mesmeric mix of “Big Easy” music and lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina.

So “Come on down!,” they say, to the New Orleans Marriott October 11 to 14 for APA's 59th institute, an event organizers say will be the most personally and professionally fulfilling meeting of the year.

Yes, the city's vibrancy, artistic and cultural diversity, and creative energy suffered an enormous blow after Hurricane Katrina, but in typical Big Easy style, exciting things to do and places to see are now not only back to normal but in some cases better than ever, according to Travel and Leisure magazine, which placed the city on its “where to go next” list. All key attractions have reopened: more than 1,000 restaurants (including nearly 80 new ones that have joined them), the zoo and aquarium, gift shops and clothing stores, museums, nightclubs, music venues, and Harrah's Casino.

“The institute is, without question, my favorite psychiatric meeting, and New Orleans is among my favorite cities,” said Stephen Goldfinger, M.D., chair of the institute's Scientific Program Committee.

Goldfinger has been spreading the news that institute attendees will learn about the latest clinical practices and trends in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment while earning up to 40 hours of category 1 CME credit. Continuing this year, he said, are relevant, “user friendly” clinical and didactic learning opportunities. Scheduled are superb lectures, as well as workshops, symposia, and small-group sessions.

Professional networking and informal consultation will abound as the Scientific Program Committee is offering numerous activities and venues where psychiatry residents and other trainees can consult with senior clinicians and leaders.

Arguably the most compelling sessions at the institute will reflect the fact that there are places outside of New Orleans' central downtown area that still show evidence of Katrina's devastating effects. Thus, included in the institute's program—the theme of which is “Recovery: Patients, Families, Communities”—will be the following:

The institute, partnering with the American Psychiatric Foundation, is soliciting donations to help the West Bank Friendship Club renovate its kitchen and replace its carpeting. The mental health center was chosen for this endeavor after consulting with the New Orleans affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which identified the facility as the city's most needy.

More about NAMI New Orleans and the West Bank Friendship Club is posted at<www.namineworleans.org>. Information on making a donation is available by calling (703) 907-7851. Further information about the institute is available by calling (888) 357-7924 or e-mailing [email protected].▪